10 best things to do in Lynton & Lynmouth

Perched high above the wild North Devon coastline, Lynton & Lynmouth are twin towns linked by a charming Victorian cliff railway and surrounded by dramatic scenery.  We visited recently during our 4-day stay in Exmoor National Park and loved how they have completely retained their old-world charm.  With a choice of coastal walks, harbour views, and plenty of places to eat, there are plenty of things to do in Lynton & Lynmouth, for walkers, nature lovers and families alike.

Lynton sits high on the cliffs, whilst its twin village Lynmouth rests at sea level around a pretty harbour.  We didn’t really have a favourite, as they both have their own charms, but together they form one of the prettiest corners of North Devon and are well worth adding to your itinerary.

Read on for our 10 best things to do in Lynton & Lynmouth:

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One of the most exciting things to do in Lynton is ride the historic Victorian funicular railway.  Built in 1890, it is the highest and steepest water-powered railway in the world and is like stepping into a time machine.

It runs on a simple balancing system, with two carriages passing up and down the cliffs transporting visitors between the two towns and offering spectacular views over Lynmouth and the harbour below.  You can choose whether you want to go up or down, or a return journey.

Lynmouth’s beach is mostly stones and shingle, so it’s not ideal for sunbathing.  However, it’s perfect for a gentle wander around the pretty tidal harbour, watch the boats bobbing (if the water isn’t out!) and treat yourself to an ice cream.

Look out for “The Walker” a wire-rod sculpture of a man overlooking The Esplanade,  which marks the four major long-distance walking trails from here.

One of the most memorable things to do at Lynton & Lynmouth is walking the South West Coast Path to Valley of Rocks.  This spectacular stretch of coastline is known for its towering rock formations and dramatic views.

It can be quite blustery, so stay away from the edge.  However, the scenery is amazing, so it’s well worth the walk.

As you explore the Valley of Rocks, keep an eye out for the feral goats that roam the cliffs.  These agile animals hop across the rocks with incredible ease.  Sadly, despite our best efforts, we didn’t spot any this time.

We walked along the coastal path to Lynton and back from here.  However, if you prefer not to walk, there are a couple of small car parks at the Valley of Rocks.

Another of the best walks from Lynmouth leads through one of Britain’s deepest gorges to Watersmeet, where two rivers meet in a stunning valley of ancient woodland, waterfalls, and moss-covered boulders.

The walk is around two miles each way, and once you arrive, you can enjoy a cream tea at Watersmeet House, a 19^th century fishing lodge run by the National Trust.

At the entrance to Lynmouth Harbour stands the Rhenish Tower, originally built in the early 19^th century to pump seawater for private baths.  The tower later served as a guiding light for local mariners and remains an important reminder of the town’s maritime heritage.

Take the cliff railway or walk up to Lynton’s old town, where you’ll find a lovely mix of independent shops, galleries, and cafés.  There’s a few great home accessory shops that are definitely worth a visit.

For something a little different, head to Glen Lyn Gorge, home to a hydro museum that explains how Lynmouth became a pioneer in hydro-electric power generation.

Alongside the “Power of Water” exhibition, you can take a short walk through the narrow gorge, to see the gushing water and powerful jets first-hand.

It’s a fascinating stop if you want to learn more about the towns’ history.

Lynton & Lynmouth sit within the Exmoor National Park, a vast landscape of beautiful moorland, woodland, and dramatic coastline.  If you want advice on walks, wildlife and scenic viewpoints, pop into the National Park Centre in Lynmouth for maps and advice.

We stayed in the heart of Exmoor and visited Lynton & Lynmouth as a day trip.  However, there are plenty of options for accommodation in Lynton and Lynmouth to suit all budgets:

• Luxury Accommodation:  Chough’s Nest Hotel is an elegant clifftop hotel with stunning sea views.
• Mid-range Accommodation:  Lynmouth View is a spacious 3-bedroom holiday home in Lynmouth
• Budget Accommodation:   The Crown Hotel has comfortable rooms in a historic building in Lynton

Here’s a map of the highlights, which you can save for your visit.

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